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kaholo1256

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Journal Entries posted by kaholo1256

  1. kaholo1256

    First Double Cover

    By kaholo1256,

    Another one for the Force
    I have seen these listed pretty often but never had one nor seen one for myself... until now. Best part, X-Force #1 Double Cover 9.6. While it's not a coveted 9.8 for the book I do have to say that its uniqueness does give me more reason to want to hold onto it as opposed to others even without the bump up. Additionally the stars must have aligned for me today as I just found out Rob Liefeld would be showing up at the VA Comic Con in a few weeks as well and a facilitator would be able to get this very issue signed and submitted for me through here.
    Hopefully after a little pressing and a lovely scrawling by Rob I'll be able to bump this up and have the true OAK of the grouping with a double cover 9.8 SS.
    Fingers Crossed

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  2. kaholo1256
    Pay Seller Now,
    Sweeter words have never been spoken. So after 13 self-submissions, multiple pressings, of copies, purchases of large lots of this single book I finally have a copy of what had simply been the bane of my collecting focus, X-Force #1 the 1st print. For years since I became a member of the CGC addiction I have hunted this one book down and constantly lost out due to last second snipers or the simple inability to find one myself. This one book has cost me more money than I would like to truly admit.
    One of the hardest issues in getting this one book in 9.8 condition is that almost all of them are still poly bagged. This creates an issue as the bag itself causes a crease from top to bottom on the back cover and if multiple copies of this book have been placed together, then on the cover as well that regardless of pressing never seems to go away. Additionally if the book hasn't been messed with for years the cards that were placed in the poly bag's also caused little rectangle creases as well. Then when looking for books out of the poly bag they always seem to be in 9.0-9.4 condition with slight creases, nicks, stubs or any other issue that can be thought of.
    But finally... FINALLY, have been able to not only acquire a 9.8, and not only a 9.8SS but a 9.8SS signed by Fabian Nicieza which is my first signed book by him. My hunt while temporarily over will most likely be chanced at Amazing Arizona when I go to make this one a double signature book signed by Rob Liefeld. Until then though my search for a 9.8SS of this one book is finally over. I'll hold onto my double cover 9.6SS but I guess I can finally let go of the other lower grade books now.
    Anyways, here's the money shot...

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  3. kaholo1256
    I mean really, how do you let go?
    So I have told a few people but why not just put it out there. Around April I will be moving up to the Maryland / Virginia area for a new position in life. Later on in the year, June/July my wife and kids should be soon to follow. Me with a position out of Herndon, VA temporarily and then at Quantico, and my wife with a position out of Fort Meade, Maryland.
    Anyways I bring this up as very soon I'm going to run into a few issues I have been really kidding myself with. 1) Moving my load of comic's without allowing a mover to touch them and 2) the expense of it all. Priorities might be backwards there...
    So in moving and seeing this daunting task about to come to light I at first am thinking about how in the world do I move it all from point A to point B. Do I really make my wife give me the "Really Kaholo???" face in which she doesn't say it but I know exactly what's going through her mind? Or do I look at trimming my collection down. Do I really take a look at my Registry Sets and say to myself... well, I don't really collect Fantastic Four but...? Or do I look at weeding out art that while cool, can I really afford to put all of it on a wall now that we are looking to move like I hadn't planned until getting this new opportunity. I mean I don't really see a lot of what I collect as overly valuable. If anything I see it as 80's - 90's Modern with a few touches here and there with Bronze and Silver. So "Cashing In" just doesn't seem like the overly wise thing to do unless really all I'm trying to do is drop dead weight.
    Heck, I don't think I will ever look to slab my collection of Generation X nor do I see any chance of getting more than 20 bucks out of the lot. I figured later on when my son was about 7 -- 10 he could have them and read of the cool heroes I enjoyed within the pages.
    The point is how do you decide how to lose the treasures you so lovingly hold?
    I have never collected with the thought of selling, and the whole reason we bought a house in the first place was because we were setting down some permanent roots. But now it just seems like this daunting task of what to do is coming up and forcing me to become a hypocrite...
    The second part, financially, its... about... to... get... expensive... We are about to go through the dual household thing so financially it's all about to become a burden anyways. We planned and have saved and will be fine, but for a while my collection is about to become stagnant. X-Force is going to stay where it is, Avengers vs X-Men is going to reign supreme at the number 3 slot... and my hugely favorite additions of Blank Cover Art is going to sit idle. Can I really ask myself to hold off on purchasing anything...? I mean of course the answer will undoubtedly become yes by force and not by choice. But if I wanted to gain some new treasures for the collection it would have to be done through a side funding and not earned income. I would officially need to sell some things to make room for others.
    This then circles back around to the question previously asked, how do you decide how to lose those same treasures you've built up over time?
    Then again which ones do you decide to let go of?
    Sucks to say, but it looks like I am about to revisit last year's fun conversation of taking it with me to the grave list.
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  4. kaholo1256

    Thank You Mr. Adams.

    By kaholo1256,

    And Mr. O'Neil...
    So finally got them back and some good photos of the bunch. Not much to write now but many of these were huge pick-ups for me. I guess I knew I would never get 9.8's for the group but was at least wanting to shoot for 8.5's and above for the Silver Age Neal Adam's. Gotta say I am happy for the group that I have here.
    Enjoy

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  5. kaholo1256

    Have you ever...

    By kaholo1256,

    Danced with the Devil in the pale moon light?
    Sorry, loved that movie though.
    Anyways, I guess the question I have is have you ever resubmitted a book you knew should have had a higher grade whether straight back to CGC or through CCS and then on to CGC to be regraded?
    Recently I've been getting a lot of my Wizard World Austin books back but also have a few others that honestly cannot find a single flaw with. No nicks, cuts, blunts. Nothing. Can't find a visible issue on what may or may not have been wrong when it went through and received the grades they did. Then when I look up the slab # in the verify section I simply see none available meaning even if I do request the notes they deemed it so insignificant that there is nothing even worthy of placing there.
    Is it something wrong with my vain attempt to gain all 9.8's? Why can I not be simply happy with a 9.4 or even a 9.6 that I am willing to look at paying another $28 per slab in addition to the pressing fees in hopes to bump up?
    I guess what I'm really wanting to know, is anyone guilty of feeling this way? And has anyone ever acted on this by resubmitting them? Or should I wait until I can get a second signature on the slab and then regrade and press?
    Thanks for any of your input.

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  6. kaholo1256
    ooooh ooooh like tonight's gonna be a goodnight...
    Yeah so anyways,
    As most know from previous Journals or even by my little bottom banner thingy, I'm a huge fan of X-Force. Something about the team, the concept, and the artists and writers for the series seemed to capture my attention like a hook from the Marvel heavens. I have been and continue to be adding to my Set and at no time have really ever taken a day off from checking the multiple different sites out there for some amazing copies which probably accounts for my wife's permanent scowl.
    Back in October I mentioned that I would be attending Wizard World Austin as part of my welcome back to the States and with it one of our most gracious members sent me a message and soon after an amazing gift. Within this package was an amazingly flawless copy of X-Force Annual #1 having been graded at 9.8 in addition to some other things and a few of his gems all craving some SS love.
    So with a little pre-cracking, and hole cutting I was ready with this one in hand to get a little Capullo love. But wait... he's only appearing on Saturday and Sunday... But, but, but its Friday and my wife has plans on Saturday and Sunday. Curse you wife you knew this was going to happen...
    In steps out of the heavenly light another amazing gentleman, my friendly LCS manager/co-owner Earl. This man kindly smiles and bravely ventured into the Capullo line. After a wait that even he wouldn't talk about it was kindly placed on my invoice along with a few others and off to CGC land where they now did what they do best, look at it???
    So today with nothing much going on I decided to take a little gander at the status of my invoices and...Shipped, Shipped, Shipped, Shipped, Graded, Scheduled for Grading, Scheduled for Grading, Scheduled for Grading. So yeah, while i was going to try the waiting game, who am I kidding, click... Hhhhmmmmmm which ones were completed. X-Force yay!!! First time go at this station. 9.8, 9.8, 9.8, 9..... Holy Jesus
    I have two gentleman who I truly do have to thank. First off to the ever generous and amazingly awesome Ronnylama, Thank you Sir. This by far is the most amazing thing that could have possibly happened to me with this Set and I truly am at a loss for words on any other way to thank you. And to my always amazing friend and all around awesome guy Earl of America's Heroes Comics, thank you. I know you probably won't ever log on to read this but your friendship and kindness do mean so much to me and if anyone should ever be in the Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas area looking for an LCS please tell him as well.
    So following picking myself up off the floor my results on the signing and slabbing:

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  7. kaholo1256
    Then blows up the knight's, chokes out the rook's, and scores with the Queen before giving the finger to the King.
    I was a 90's child when it comes to collecting. During the time of my comic collecting, mostly reading, I pretty much sat on the Mutant side of things with titles such as X-Force, X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, X-Factor, etc. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated characters like Spider-Man, Superman, and Batman, but the mutant side was where I found my calling and later my passion.
    During this time an amazing artist was hitting his stride with the Uncanny X-Men and right then I became front row to a creation of his debuting on the cover of Uncanny X-Men #282 the man known as Bishop. Created in 1991 Bishop was basically a futurized cop who came back to the past during that time in search of an escaped convict, Trevor Fitzroy. Throughout the years Bishop has evolved from the straight and narrow X-Man, to a true traitor, eventually to a man bent on the death of killing a single child, and now to coming back and becoming once again a member of an X-team.
    So anyways yeah, I just happened to be sitting around when I get this Facebook PM. "Hey man he finished it up for you." Next thing I know... BOOM goes the dynamite.
    Sketched by his creator, Whilce Portacio I give you my latest sketch commission.

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  8. kaholo1256
    Wait what ?!?
    Anyways,
    Every year many of us get on here and kinda reaffirm our goals. In a way this provides us a system of checks and balances to see what it is we wanted to accomplish and then a year later look back at that very Journal and say NOPE, didn't come close. When making my goals I usually try to aim high and then hopefully get to at least a high middle ground to claim some sort of minor success. Most have heard the saying "Shoot for the Moon, and if you fail at least you'll end up in the stars..." aahhhhh, to bad they don't also say that eventually while hanging there in weightless nothingness that eventually you'll run out of oxygen and die floating in an area to big to truly be able to file a decent enough search and hopefully at one point float back into orbit to where you burn out on the flight back... but who knows some kid may wish upon you and isn't that a nice story.
    But yeah a little over a year ago I made up a few shallow goals but nothing concrete. The only two I had on there was to have the top seat in the Avengers vs X-Men Series (Which I don't but am still aiming) and the X-Force Vol. 1 (Which I did but is a weekly struggle to maintain.
    Aside from those two goals I decided to wait to see where that year took me as I knew that anything I wanted to add to my Sets would be without me physically being there.
    This year though is different. While this all happened at the tail end of last year I did start to sow the seeds of what will be hopefully a really amazing year.
    First and foremost X-Force Vol. 1. I have gained the yearly title and now have to prove I am not a one and done. While most throw out there certificates as if it were nothing more than a simple piece of paper with blasé ink scrawled on it I plan to have mine signed by the likes of Rob Liefeld, Greg Capullo, Jim Cheung, Tony Daniel, and Whilce Portacio. These were the gentlemen for the most part with a few others that brought a series together for me as a kid and got me truly hooked on the series. As for the goal itself, I would like to finish this one completely out with a grade in every opening. This is where the seeds have been sown. I already have 10 issues in from Wizard World Austin with an additional pregrade Set I have sent in with not just this series but also a few others for 9.8 or better.
    The second set I plan to solidify myself in would be the Avengers vs X-Men Set. I was able to jump off a little here and there to purchase some of the Original Art pages but now is the time to buckle down and really pick up a few points in this one. While I am behind in this set I do hope to have it completed fully by years end.
    All New X-Men and Cable & X-Force, both of these I would like to reign supreme in as well. While I do hold the top slot in C&XF All New XM is going to be a struggle. At the very least this set should be nice to look at with most of the issues having some type of OA as well as my style of a summary.
    And finally and maybe a little more insanely, I would like to strive to own the number 2 slot for the New Mutants (Liefeld Set).... I'll let that soak in for two individuals..........
     
     
     
     
    Okay, so yeah this one is going to be where the fun happens. Currently I hold the number 3 slot for this Set with the Bash Brothers securely at the number 1 & 2 slot. While I came into this one a little.... Cough cough..... late, I still am looking to jump one. This is the oxygen deprivation goal of jumping to high and getting stuck up there. I have two CGC'ed in the Set with an additional 4 being returned this month and a few more in the shoot for to be handed over to the Set's namesake. This is where in 359 ish days I find out if I land securely on the moon or become some little Pakistani boys wish when he sees a shooting star floating down from space.
    Good luck to all this year and good luck with all of your short and long term goals.

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  9. kaholo1256

    Another Year Down

    By kaholo1256,

    But thanks to you all it was a short one.
    2013 was an amazing year and quite honestly was made better because of a community like you. I started 2013 off overseas and somewhat down on the fact that another year will slowly drip by like molasses in the winter. I figured I would pick up an issue here or there, maybe do a little searching for odds and ends, and then eventually read some of the Journals on here.
    All of this was turned upside down though because of you all. Because of you a collector's spirit was passed onto me to do what I could and however I could do it and jump for goals many times out of reach. Because of you I wrote more than I have since my days taking online college courses, and because of you all I was able to feel the thrill of the hunt, and the joy of finding those little diamonds in the rough. I acquired blank covers of art by amazing artists, back issue treasurers that required signatures galore, and even Original Art that I never could have seen myself jump for in years past. I went from page 26 with little over a measly 600 points in 2012 to page 6 and over 13,000 points in the span of a year without ever having to collect for solely for points and staying with what I loved.
    I was able to build some amazing Sets in my opinion and most of it with help from this community. I was able to find comfort in competition with a few of my pride and joy Sets: Avengers vs X-Men, X-Force, and Uncanny X-Men (2011), and have begun to enjoy starting up a few new Sets with the All New X-Men and Cable and X-Force. I even took a leap off the deep end and picked up a few Neal Adams issues to gain his signature on.
    To Tnerb first -- Thank you. Your daily, weekly, journal's both on here and in your blog made my year shorter by simply giving me an outlet to absorb. Your kind words through journals, and in reading your Sets and descriptions throughout the year has truly motivated me to build not only some prized Sets but also to add to them so others can see my enjoyment as they see yours. Your reminder to collect what I enjoy and or love has been a standard that has kept me while at times jumping around... primarily focused on my core goals.
    To his little brother -- Your competitive side and continuance to strive for better ignited a sense of never resting on my laurels. You and your brother's interactions showed me this was truly a community and not simply a place to vent frustrations. Your Sets have made me continue to look at my own in whether to improve or hold fast and for that I thank you. I cannot wait until the day when I can possibly rival both you and your brother in at least the New Mutant Liefeld Set but until then will continue to stand by and drool.
    Ronnylama -- As many have stated on here your kindness truly knows no bounds. My Christmas present was quickly scooped up by a three year old and following picking up a raw copy has assisted in passing off of a passion from father to son. While added to my Registry Set it prominently sets on my Sons shelf where it is now shown as if it were a trophy. I cannot wait to attempt to return the favor and hopefully shake your hand in person at ECCC as long as the wife doesn't kill me before then for this past months CGC fees from Austin... short story but for another time.
    SW3D -- I have to say honestly your journals continue to make me smile throughout the year and your passion for cornering the market knows no bounds and has slightly started to spill over onto me as well. While I never knew much about your preferred character in the beginning I certainly know an amazing amount of her now and every journal you have posted on her has made me want to hear more. Its passion and drive for OAKs such as these that have pressed me into making some OAKs for myself.
    Surfer99 -- My wife wants to kill you. I just want to put that out there. first My Man Cave, which at one point was fung shuiied out or however you put it is now becoming a shrine to Comic Art galore with the pick-up of Original Art. Had you not turned me on to comicartfans my wife would still have her God Awful looking room along with at the least 20 different pairs of shoes. Once I get everything back from Hobby Lobby and nailed up I'll have to post some photos. But just know, even the mentioning of surfing and the year 99 makes my wife scowl... and I enjoy every minute of it.
    Senor Shepherd, Shivabali, Meshuggah -- Its been amazing reading each of your journals throughout the year and viewing your personal touches to there Sets. I may even have to jump over from time to time and pick up a few titles I normally may not look for because of each of you and look forward to the chance of meeting each of you.
    SRoszkowski, Kuddy, Alphaprimeian, Edward3, Blarfingar, and what looks to be my newest competition Oceanavekid - Thank you. Each of you in your own ways have made me continue to want to improve upon my sets on a constant basis and have kept me focused throughout this year. I know I may lose a title to each of you, or may attempt to take one from you, but either way the competition in the Sets have made me go through the gambit of feelings and I look forward to it even more in this coming year.
    Finally dscott -- You have been amazing for me this year and have attended Con's, facilitated blank sketch opps, and assisted with more things acquired this year than I should have ever had. You were my voice to artists and creators, and had it not been for you, like Surfer99, my wife would have had an even more packed closet of shoes, but I wouldn't have had the unbelievable amounts of art that I have been able to acquire in my absence. Thank you sir.
    To anyone I missed I do apologize but know that every member that has been on here has helped in some way this year in making a bad situation better and more easily able to be tolerated. Thank you and I cannot wait to see what 2014 brings to us all.
     
    Oh and probably my best blank cover of the year, showed it in the Signature Series Forum by Danny Cruz

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  10. kaholo1256

    Hit the ground running

    By kaholo1256,

    Thank you Nicole and Sister
    Gotta say Nicole and her sister were AMAZING today. Wizard World Austin: 72 books signed 8 sketch covers with an additional 3 left to be picked up and 5 left needing Capullos amazing signature left with some assistance required all within four hours in a single day. Soooooo tired, but some picks to follow:

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  11. kaholo1256
    Thank You Professor P
    Wow only four days in and I almost missed today's journal. Damn Sniperhill internet service and their maintenance. Oh well.
    Yesterday Professor P posted up what I have to say was by far if not the best Journal than pretty close to it. Spilling ones heart out and opening up like that isn't something many of us are willing to do to our own families let alone a group of strangers.
    I have to say that in a way I did see a portion of these same collecting techniques in my own ways. When I first returned to Comics I didn't just dip the toe in but jumped in head first. Like most of us though i think jumping in head first made me realize that I should have at least looked where I was jumping in as I think I hit my head in the shallow end. I quickly racked up a significant amount with Paypal and within the first month looked at what I purchased and what actually spent and said WTF? I think it was catching on early tat helped curb me.
    I quickly stopped my pick-ups, and paid my bill before understanding that with great collecting comes great debt for those of us without a ton of disposable income.
    I know in the signature pages we joke around about how some facilitators are going to have me drinking tap water and eating knock off brand ramen but if it weren't for a finance smart wife I probably would have at some point. It was my wife maybe not joining in with me but accepting it with me that has helped the most. She gave me... yep had to ask permission... a man fun account and while maybe she thought at one point that fund would go towards trips to Vegas for me and the "boys" or what not I can honestly say shes probably happier that I collect comics than goes out on the town. She's even given me a few gifts and its made Holiday and Birthday shopping for her significantly easier when she can look at my CLZ account and see a hole that needs to be plugged.
    I guess it was opening up to my wife that ruly turned everything around for me and one of the biggest reasons why I know mine is a keeper.
    Professor P, thank you for helping me to look back at what I appreciate about my own wife, and how collecting while it can be fun, does take a lot of responsibility and caution.
    K
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  12. kaholo1256

    At A Snails Pace

    By kaholo1256,

    801, 800, 799, 798, 799... damn it...
    I have realized I am finally at that point were everything I add to my Registry Set's isn't necessarily going to help me move up much if any. According to the Total Registry Points I have 361 slabbed books either in my possession or currently sitting at my LCS awaiting to be placed in my possession. I know have far more as I keep putting up requests for new Sets but until that time am proud of what I have now and will continue to show them off as I go.
    But how many of us look at that number when ever we add a slab to our set's? How many as soon as they hit save and the pop-up says this has been added immediately look to see if their position has changed so much that they are on a whole new page? Then again when the heartache of "Sorry not available" shows up and my typical 24 points don't get to be placed its almost as if a tear wells up in the corner of my eye and a gasp of "no" is quietly said from my bunk.
    I guess its the competitor in me that always wants to shoot upwards in the listing and to hopefully break into the 500's by this time next year. But honestly it isn't just an up hill battle but more like a Himalayan cliff with what I enjoy and gain points for verses what others enjoy. Oh well, until next time.
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  13. kaholo1256
    Holy Laughing Nuts Batman
    Last year a little closer to the end of the year Tnerb had written a Journal looking toward what he spent in a year solely on comics. I don't believe he ever put down a price but from the sounds of it, it was a good amount. So yesterday in my time off I decided, what the heck, how much did I spend this year? And yeah that one hurt. This year was a push toward commissions, Original Art, and a few of what I consider keys here and there.
    As a collector and a person passionate about his hobby I did a significant amount of picking up this year and can say I am proud to own what I was able to acquire... But, can I really look at being able to continue this same pace next year? I guess over all I notice one of the biggest issues I am going to run into is setting a budget and not...budging. Its not a hard thing and it is typically simple for me but this coming year I will need to remain focus and attempt not to pick up any more of those new series CGC slabs and sit down, buckle up, and do some damage to my core Set's. With Blarfingar having slid under the radar and obtaining the top seed in my coveted X-Force Set back for himself this priority of not being a one and done seems in my mind a set place to begin. Additionally their is my AvX Sets which well need to see more work as well.
    But the largest issue still is looking at a budget. All of us seem to have one and all of us seem to blow by them so often when we see that coveted issue come up. But when push comes to shove, how many of you can simply walk away?
    Earlier today an ebay auction for a slab I wanted came up... and went down, and saddly the reason for this Journal was the knowledge that I shouldn't budge from my original offer. I didn't come out on top and even then two other bidders out bid me on what I thought was a strong and decent bid. I guess I finally saw my budget being sapped... and didn't budge.
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  14. kaholo1256
    I guess at least I got it.
    Anyways a few months back I started actively purchasing a few pages of Original Art mainly sticking to one series as this was the first big series I jumped on since my return to the love and enjoyment of collecting. Avengers vs X-Men. Since then with the help of artist Scot Eaton, David Marquez, Surfer99, MoreGreatArt and a few others I have been able to pick-up a few good looking pages to post up here and on my account at comicartfans.com and still do pick-up a page here and there when I can and money is good. But during this time I started to pick-up on one of those series that has easily become my go to every month. All New X-Men.
    It's been great seeing the reactions to the X-Kids of the past and their counterparts from the future especially with the Icemen??? But one page stuck out to me more than any other to me over the series. All New X-Men #5 Page 18. It's on this page that we get to see how the Beasts, third mutation, as he puts it comes to life through the mind of artist Stuart Immonen. While I think every artist has had their way of drawing him I noticed that he has gone through what looks like several mutations as is depicted on the Variant cover to Secret Avengers #13. Not really a big thing he just went from looking like a normal guy with big hands and feet, to a gray Bigfoot, then Blue, and with slight touches every so often more cat like.
    Almost 10 years prior to my birth... yeah I'm an 80's baby, Marvel altered Hank's appearance drastically in Amazing Adventures 11 for the first time. During this key issue Marvel made his code name even more prevalent by turning him into a shaggy haired Beast and while there was no way for me to gain this page and still is no way for me to afford it if it went to auction I figured why not try to reach out and attempt to grab my first page of some historical value.
    So after a few small payments, a ton of emails, postage and handling my first historic page is now here in my ha... Yeah I guess it's not really in MY hands but it is now owned by me. I present to you All New X-Men #5 Page 18.
    Enjoy oh and sorry about the sticker. My friend Earl... LCS owner didn't want to mess with taking it off the protective cover while the art was in there for fear of damage.

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  15. kaholo1256

    Your doing it wrong.

    By kaholo1256,

    Or maybe its just your way
    Is there a wrong way to this hobby? Or is it simply that the masses believe one way and the minorities believe it another. Lately there have been a slew of CGC vs the Other Guys, and then Pressers vs Purists, and even Signatures vs True Blue. But is their a wrong way?
    Taking the CGC vs PGX route I think the biggest issues with them that we have identified was their quality in grading, lack of a true Signature Series, and a lack of a registry. To me take those three items out and PGX seems to have the better product. A sturdier case, a quicker turn around time, and a lower cost. I have yet to see a bubble effect on their case well and they seem to at least get most of the labels right... granted they have less to need to produce. To me in my opinion these are all issues CGC could stand to at least take a look at and possibly deliver a better product to those of us that are so passionate about this hobby.
    Lately times have gotten significantly better, but the ever-increasing costs have been going up and yet there are still so many issues left unresolved. If PGX or any company could jump in and remove the monopoly would we accept it. Or would we blow that company off as well as a simple, your not CGC, thus I do not trust you. Could ground be gained? Personally, I don't believe so. I believe PGX's history tarnished their name and I don't see anyone without a significant backing being able to jump into the pool without some serious street credit.
    Pressers vs Purists has been an enjoyable board conversation and really it comes down to disclosure when reselling in my opinion. I have no problem with pressing. I'm trying to gain the highest grade for MY books. But that's the point for me. These books are mine and for me to do what I want with them. I'm not looking for resale value and not looking to trade them off. I'm looking to put them up in my home, slide them neatly into a box, or simply pass on to my kids as they get older. The grade I obtain isn't for anyone else's enjoyment but my own. I think the true discussion comes in when individuals look to sell their books and especially with those in the 7.5 -- 9.6 range. If I were to purchase a book in those grades I would want to know for myself if their grades could be improved upon. If the seller states been squished 4 times by CCS I may be less inclined to purchase that book if I am looking to improve upon it. I think the largest issue here is the lack of full disclosure by sellers which is what drives this discussion. For Tnerb, bagofleas, and others who have attempted to press a higher grade I think the key issue is they are looking to do it for no one else but themselves. If they do it and then sell it, its on them to be upfront as a seller about it.
    And Signatures vs Blue tops. Really it comes down to opinion. I think an easy way of looking at it is the New Mutants 98, 10 mint sold for over 15K. If someone could obtain the same grade but with a Signature who wouldn't pay a higher premium. Then again it all boils down to the comics being worth it to someone else.
    Any thoughts?
    K

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  16. kaholo1256
    Or, let's see how this goes.
    In Tnerb's Journal he kindly challenges some of us to break through our typical barrier of replying to one another and accepting the challenge of finding something interesting for each one of us to write up, everyday, and I figure... why not try this out.
    I tried this once before and while I made it over half of the month sadly things happen and priorities had to shift. Either after a hard day's work, or being exhausted, or simply mentally taxed I found myself almost dreading the need to think up something new and enjoyable at a certain point. But this past month and this upcoming month shouldn't be to bad for the exception of a few short days.
    Why would this be a little challenging you may ask? Well this is THE month for me. After a year long tour in Afghanistan its finally coming to an end. While I do not have a specific date nor time for both my freedom flight from here to TC Manas in Kyrgyzstan or my flight from their to my home base I know that no matter, this is the month. I'm currently living out of a Duffel Bag in a large area with a bunch of grown @$$ adults who smell of sweat and feet but would rather have this than my last bunk even two months ago. So I may miss a day here or their but will make every attempt to double up when I know I may have an issue... I mean I got it, the day of the flight...post early. The day of the next flight back to the house... post early. But really how do you explain to a wife after having last seen each other physically since May, "Honey, I know I just got home a little while ago and will be in the bedroom in a minute, but Tnerb said I need to write a Journal for the CGC Boards as part of his challenge." I don't see that conversation working out so well and can honestly picture my wife saying a very choice word followed by the name Tnerb.
    Anyways I do have a few things I am looking forward to this month on top of the freedom flight. I'll get to meet a few board members in person, Alj007, who has been amazing with his sketch opps and is the facilitator of the Capital City Comic Con in July. mysterio, who I have gone back and forth with on our conversation about Texas Cons, as well as a host of others at my one and only Con for this year, Wizard World Austin.
    Its here that I will get to meet a few amazing creators, Denny O'Neil, Mark Bagley, Greg Land, Greg Capullo, Tyler Kirkham and the list goes on for the first time. As well as see a few I've already met and gained some amazing signatures on like Neal Adams, David Marquez, and Sam de la Rosa.
    Its also here I'll be able to slide Neal a copy of Ronnylama's Strange Adventures mentioned here in a previous journal and gain a few prints and what not for a few other Signatures from Stan the Man. Over all aside from a birthday, a flight home, and some turkey, followed by my Raiders spanking that SW3D-boys butt on Thanksgiving day I have a ton of things to look forward to and a mountain of comics to figure out what to do with at my LCS. First things first, gotta prep them gems for signing.

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  17. kaholo1256
    Even though I am gaining some things at NYCC still doesn't mean I will rest on my laurels with the Force.
    This past week has been a huge event and great set pickup for me at NYCC. Gained a few blank covers by Elias Chatzoudis, an Agnes Garbowska, a JSC colored by Sabine Rich, a Multi-Cover Set X-Related titles, and a few random pages from the AvX Series as well as a great page featuring the 1st Uncanny X-Force team even though it is a Deadpool page.
    In two weeks I will be having a few New Mutants signed by Rob Liefeld and then sent for pressing and grading courtesy of a gentleman and a scholar Mr. Glynn for my pre-X-Force Set which I fully intend to get each signed by him at some point. Figured its called Liefeld Set anyways so may as well try to get fully signed by him nd a few double sigs along the way. Hoping against hope to maybe squish a 9.9 SS out of any of them but likelyhood of that happening.... yeah. Still a guy can hope.
    But even though I have a multitude of things going on I still have the eye on the prize. Blarfingar who held the title and passion for our favorite set has been making moves on trying to get a few more slabs here and there and honestly I hope he keeps it up and eventually just blows by me. Competition brings the best out of people and honestly I couldn't get better or be more invested in doing so if I had no one to keep me in check. Doing so would cause me to rest on my laurels and honestly I would like to put together something that both him and I appreciate not because of its value but because of its significance in our childhood.
    With that said I just happened to scan through the old bay and come across a newly slabbed copy of X-Force #99 signed by Cover creator and New Mutants alumni Bill Sienkiewicz as well as Stan Lee. While I could have done without the ummm.... Lee Sig. its still a nice thing to have I guess. Anyways when I first saw it I had to bid. I mean its X-Force and once I checked on it, its a lone OAK as a 9.8SS. Following six of the longest days, a host of email updates, "You've been outbid," and an early morning Alarm set wake up I was able to pull out all the stops... and maybe some that I should have halted on earlier.
    Some things just deserve to have caution thrown into the wind and this was one of them. While I can't add it to my Set yet as their is oddly enough no way to, hopefully Nicole can update the numbers and give this one a new home to rest on my Set listing. For your eyes to see and my personal enjoyment to own, I give you my latest ebay pick-up. X-Force #99 9.8SS

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  18. kaholo1256
    Hey honey...got a question.
    Last week I made a few purchases from another boardie (Sardo Numspar's) for an amazing haul of New Mutant goodness. I was able to pick-up two or I would even consider it three of my key grail books for what started out for my pre-X-Force collection with NM 87, 98, and 100 with 93 thrown in for that completionist value. Anyways after a Sunday night purchase my precious grails were shipped and arrived on Friday at our local post office where Saturday my wife, being pestered by her child like husband, was asked to claim these beauties so that I could finally allow my home to bask in their glory.
    End of story right... No likely, besides this is merely a recap of an old Journal so far. So not even 30 min's after seeing these glorious photos and asking my wife to put them up somewhere away from my child like Hulk rampaging around my home do I see another board posting. "Remember the Alamo" Alamo City Comic Con now accepting submissions for Rob Liefeld... Wait Rob Liefeld is going to be coming to Texas. I live in Texas... Holy it must be fate. So while on Facetime with my wife I ask the weirdest of all conversatins.
    Me: Umm, hey babe, uhhh how much do you love me?
    Wife: What do you want Kaholo?
    Me: Umm, so yeah, the Alamo City Comic C....
    Wife: No, you don't even need to ask, the answer is no.
    Me: New Shoes???
    Wife: Fine what do you want me to do?
    Me: Go to San Antonio to the Comic Con there and get a guy named..
    Wife: Stop, you had me going when you said San Antonio but then you add Comic Con don't you have comic buddies for this sorta thing?
    Me: Umm, I guess, would you be willing to mail it out to them?
    Wife: Does it still involve shoes?
    Me: Uhhhh, sure.
    Wife: Then yes I'll mail it to someone.
    Me: Do you care that those are worth money maybe someday for our kids?
    Wife: The shoes?
    Me: No the comics...
    Wife: No
    So now not even having the grails in my house for more than a weekend those four have been repackaged and are now on there way to another amazing gentleman for some Liefeld love and to hopefully retain their grade when they get to CGC immediately after. I guess I can always hope they go up after seeing the 10 sell not too long ago on Comiclink.
    K
    What they looked like before they were packed up at my house all over again.

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  19. kaholo1256

    Sweet Saturday

    By kaholo1256,

    Finally got my Modern Grail(s)
    Over the past few months I have been hunting for two separate issues of the same series both of which I considered my Modern era keys. One or both will come up on ebay and I can usually command the highest bid until that last second snipe and then its taken from me as if I hadn't even a chance with it. I've tried comiclink, comicconnect, and mycomic auctions and again all to no avail I still either come up short on the bid or am stuck watching as it is goes for such a bloated price that I just shake my head and am thankful I still have limits to hold back from.
    Then today occurred. I just happen to pop onto the boards when I first woke up and decided to give the buying section on here a chance. I figured I would see a few pieces of Original Sketch art placed upon a blank and if anything gain ideas or see characters I would one day love to commission out for myself. I peaked at the very first file I saw stating they were clearly attempting to get rid of some early 80's and 90's comics and thought this looked like a fun one to follow for a few. First comic up New Mutants #100 the first X-Force.
    Having the top spot in the follow on X-Force Set made not having this one for me a black eye. I had seen it up on the past few mycomic shop auctions as well as comiclink and had taken several tries at getting this one. Never tried an all in approach as I always wanted to get a fair deal out of purchase I would always place my purchase price up and while seconds dwindled down would see the green bars of highest bid turn quickly to those bids of defeat red and moments later they turned red. So having seen this one up at the exact price I always bid made grabbing this one especially sweet for me. While any other day I would have claimed victory and walked away with a smile today I guess felt a little different.
    Following this and two other good purchases my first of two Modern Era grails came up. New Mutants #87. It was here that an older man strapped with pouches galore, hair of grey, and a look only a mother could love was introduced to the comic world. The first appearance of Cable. I then looked at the price and wow. I guess in a way I finally hit that lucky day. So I called the wife told asked permission and moments later a second comic popped up. Knowing the series most can venture the second would now be New Mutants #98. The beginning tale of a Merc with A Mouth. And yet again with an amazing and affordable price tag.
    So this is where things became a little tricky for me. I began questionning everything I knew. I mean after the first three "I'll Take It's" how do I ask for one but yet not the other? How do I walk away from a great deal? How many precious seconds could possibly tick by before that smiling jester's face holding the sign of envy pop's up and dash's my hopes and dream's.
    And then I hear it, I realize I had stopped talking to my wife in this moment of deep thought... Hello. And like magic my wife speaks, "So what would you like for our Anniversary?"... Normally the answer for us men are pretty typical. Nothing, I'm good Honey, You don't have to get me anything, maybe even... I just need your love...aaahhhh...
    But no not this time my wife, you shall not get off easy for this anniversary. And I say the most illogical thing I can to her... "I'll Take It"...Wait what? You'll take what? she ask's... Sweetheart thank you for the Anniversary present, you just bought me some comics...
    So while I am now severely in love and smiling from ear to ear the question now is, so what do I get her?
    It may not be that glorious 10 Mint so many have been talking about over these past few days since it went up on the bidding block but this two are a NM perfect to me.

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  20. kaholo1256
    Best Wife EVER!!!
    It's been awhile since I last wrote an actual journal. Things at the......"office" have been a little more hectic than usual and my nightly boredom has been replaced by what can only be explained by the immense heat here. Something about the rise in temperature makes everyone lose it.
    So I still owe 6 thru 1 of my iconic cover as well as the pry from my dead hands comics. I'll get on that in the next few days as we have more down time now than over the past few but recently I had a conversation with my wife about collecting. She approached me with the question of why and a no *spoon* list of what I would want if we had the money or savings or whatever.
    We talked about one another's spending habits and she noticed that I do spend for comics and little else while she spends for purses, make-up, clothes, shoes and whatever... the list truly goes on. It was with this that she noticed (FINALLY) that she spends way more than I do yet she can still classify what I spend on as an investment.
    So the list, she asked me to shoot for the stars on the top 5 books I would want in a 9.4 to 9.6...yeah her words (amazing right???) and she would see what she could do as far as us saving for a Birthday, Christmas, or Anniversary. I think I'm like most typical men, you ask what do I want for these days and my response is either going to be whatever or if I'm in a bold mood sex.
    So my list in no particular order:
    X-Men #94
    Giant Size X-Men #1
    X-Men #13
    Green Lantern # 76
    Batman # 232
    Mine is based on two of my favorite characters; Colossus & Juggernaut and the final two are based off my favorite comic artist. She said shoot for the stars and I think I tried to keep my shot group tight for what I aimed for. Without going nuts and saying something like Journey into Mystery or Amazing Fantasy territory which really would lead to one hell of an amazing fantasy.
     
    So if this same question is posed to you, what would be your choices based off what you would want while still holding reserve back?

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  21. kaholo1256
    So good to finally get to read the replies again and respond.
    Anyways something I learned but will keep this one short. Almost two weeks ago I posted a Journal on my frustrations with a Graded comic that I had to send in not twice but three times entitled "Ther Will Be Cursing" Shortly aftr I was given a "strike" and basicly prohibited from responding on the Message Board. While I could continue to post Journals here on the Registry I could no longer respond due to my language and had to log out of my account to even view replies.
    So in all learned a lesson and while it sucked for a short time finally got to read some of the response posts. Thanks for reading and I'll be following this up shortly with my iconic cover and till Death do us Part CGC's.
    K
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  22. kaholo1256
    A Lethal Combination.
    My number 8 book in my list was one of those massively produced 90's books that to this day can be found everywhere on eBay readily accessible and easily acquired. So much so, in doing a quick search on eBay a few minutes ago under the sold listings I found one had gone for as little as $26.10. So why would I even list a book on here under my Do Not Sell list that could go as low as that? Because of the story behind it and the friendship that came after it.
    In the early 90's I had been newly introduced to comics by my cousin who was primarily looking for a cheap and easy way to pawn me off while he did more "Grown up" things. During this time I came across comics like Wolverine, Spider-man, X-Force and a host of others that held my attention. As a kid I never really understood that if kept in good condition they may be worth something someday. Instead I was more intent on reading, rereading, and attempting to recreate some of my favorite covers. For some reason I thought as a kid maybe I could be a comic book artist. I mean who doesn't want to get paid to draw things right???
    So one day while checking out the comic rack at my local 7-11 in a bright red foiled cover I saw what I thought at the time was the most magnificent cover in my life. Venom: Lethal Protector #1. I looked at it and it looked back almost begging me to pick it up using the white glove treatment. I mean the cover was made from a harder stocked paper and shined in the sun from the open windows in the store as if angels were coming from that creaky metal rack. I immediately paid my $3 bucks and rushed home carefully. Instead of trying to read this one though it was the cover I was most impressed by. I attempted drawing it a multiple of times trying to do it with a semblance of justice until an art project came up and gave me the perfect opportunity to recreate the cover art.
    In this project I was suppose to use some style of art where you draw or create something using nothing more than dots. No lines, no shading just dot's. Mind you this is 7th grade art so projects weren't exactly about drawing some gorgeous landscape or anything. Anyways, I finished, turned it in, and to my horror while I received an A for my art project this insufficiently_thoughtful_person for a teacher defaced my art with her red marker placing the A right inside the dotted M. I held onto it for some weird reason and when I got older threw the recreation into a copier paper box along with a large group of comics and there it sat for a few years.
    Fast forward to about two years ago and I am now In my late 20's. I open this one of twenty box's and after removing all of the comics lay this same page of art that had a significant bend from the way the pressure of the books had sat on it. It was one of those eh!!! moments where you look at something and smile remembering its history and why you did what you did with it and simply went back into the box.
    In gearing up for my second Convention in Dallas later in May of 2012 I took note of some of the board comments and began to prepare a little better for this one. In doing so I noticed inker and artist Sam De La Rosa was about to attend and happened to see he was a Texas native currently residing in San Antonio. I emailed him a quick hello letter to tell him I was looking forward to seeing him and hoped to have a good copy of the Lethal Enforcer Comic for him to sign. Not thinking much of it I simply asked if he would be willing to come up to my Local Comic Shop for a visit on his way up to the Con and just figured he at the most might reply with a decent enough reply of NO.
    It wasn't even 10 minutes later that I received a reply back from Sam stating simply, "SURE give me a place, a time, and a day." Wait what??? I ask myself. This guy can't possibly be serious. So I go over to my LCS America's Heroes Comics and talk to Earl the owner about what had just transpired. He then asks if I would ask him to stop by for the Free Comic Book day in 2012 as this would help Sam in gaining a wider audience for him to cater to and also help with the stores FCBD activities. Again I pass the message and again he replies quickly "No problem see you there!!!" So at this point I'm still skeptical about this whole thing. I mean could he really be that genuinely a nice guy? Yep he was. Almost a month to the day I first contacted him he showed up wife, kids, and comics in hand bright and early.
    It was here that I thanked him told him of the story I just told you and had him sign my recreation. "Never stop dreaming, never put down the ink" In the end it was this cover that helped me see that artists in the comic community are amazingly humble and gracious people. Since meeting Sam there, I have attended 4 additional Con's with him in attendance and every time has made it a point to say hello and talk to him for awhile. He's a great all around guy and his kindness, generosity, and all around demeanor is what causes me to place this one on the list at my number 8 spot. Oh and beside it is a photo of a four part sketch he drew for me as well.
    Enjoy

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  23. kaholo1256
    ........
    When it comes to comics I have a fairly biased opinion. I'm a Marvel fan. I like what I like and for some reason I just never could really get into DC or touch on many Independents. It's not because of storylines, art, or even specific characters it's more of an overall opinion I hold from when I was a kid that grew more into a loyalty. No matter what the direction, how low some stories get, or how awful I think art may be I still follow many lines out of a sense of almost misplaced loyalty.
    That being said, my number 8 spot takes me away from my comfort zone. In the early 90's while fully engrossed in comic madness as a young kid I came upon a story line that was so drawing it made headlines worldwide. As I child I didn't know it did as the only part of the weekly newspaper I read were the sports and cartoon section but as an adult this is what I picked up.
    Anyways I want to say I was maybe 11 when this story line came out and while I was a Marvel follower DC had and still has the most iconic character of all time, Superman. Even without having read more than four or five Superman books at the time I still knew he could leap tall buildings in a single bound, the bullet thing, and beating up trains, probably not right but I got it. So at this point in my life I know he's an amazing guy who can always overcome adversity
    But what makes this comic's cover Iconic wasn't his overcoming but yet what looked to be his loss. By now any collector worth there salt knows I'm talking about Superman 75 "The Death of Superman." To me when I think of loss, or when I hear a character is being killed off, or has died nothing comes to mind more than this cover. The flowing symbol of justice torn asunder atop a random stick is how I picture any character coming to an end. When one of my favorite characters, Cable from the New Mutants/X-Men titles died this was how I wanted to picture the cover. Even with Captain America's thought to be end I still pictured a scene like this one would have added more justice.
    For most of us we know happens in this storyline so I'll leave all of that out. But even being given the issue name and number I will always remember that this cover and storyline followed. So with my 8th selection for Iconic covers I chose Superman #75
    K

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  24. kaholo1256
    Last one for the day, I swear...
    Of every cover I have ever wanted to gain in a 9.8 I have never wanted a 9.8 cover more than for this one. Even today, still can't get one. I have been sniper beat out on every auction I have ever placed a bid on.
    When it comes to the Hulk there are tons of iconic covers. Incredible Hulk 1, Hulk 181, so forth and so on. But they're iconic based off of their importance to comic history. These were first appearances or battles that any collector would covet lovingly. My choices for iconic covers isn't based on their overall importance to comic lore but more based on my sole appeal and how or what I see when a character's name is called. Much like Lee K's interlude #2 post featuring Superman when I imagine the Hulk I imagine a brute strength that can't possibly be matched. Maybe following this, the makers of the Injustice: Gods Among Us can make a sequel showing a cross over between Marvel and DC so I can finally see two of the most powerful beings go at it.
    As for the cover, this one features probably the greatest test of strength ever shown on a cover. Heck even Superman needed some help to move Atlantis in the Injustice issue. Inside of Marvel Super Heroes Secret War #4 lies the story of how each of the greatest heroes on Earth in Marvel owes one pissed off Green Guy their lives.
    Molecule man who is usually a much underappreciated villain drops the mother of all mountains on the Super Heroes and in one last ditch second the Hulk steps up to the plate. What's amazing if anyone has ever gone lifting is that it's not simply the weight that's on him that's significant. I mean it is, it's as stated 150 Billion tons, but the fact that from its height of being dropped that he wasn't overcome by the initial force and was able to keep his friends from being crushed by the initial impact that makes this truly a feat to behold.
    Then while underneath this monumental weight Reed Richards berates and angers the Hulk knowing full well where the source of his strength comes from. It's his anger and strength that the Hulk is known for. Not his onetime brains, or his stylish suit and fedora, or even banner. None of these things or pictures come to mind when I think of the Hulk.
    When I picture the Hulk, I picture this Iconic cover.
    Enjoy

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  25. kaholo1256

    Number 9

    By kaholo1256,

    I hate when eBay labels things rarest of all...
    Two in a day back to back. Yep I'm bored and content with the world. So number 9 of my till death do us part actually shows the determination I had to eventually gain a 100% on my Avengers vs X-Men Set.
    On the first day I was able to start posting my numbers right under Avengers vs X-Men "I'm with the X-Men" Variant was a rather peculiar entry. The Argentinian Variant. The What??? I say to myself. So I looked it up on the Census and there it was in microscopic numbers 1... Just a single issue graded and at 9.8. Damnit!!!
    So a hunting I shall go. And hunting I did. I searched everywhere for this OAK and even started searching in raw form but try as I may couldn't find it anywhere. I searched every known auction site, scoured 11,546 entries on eBay, and yet came up with a fat goose egged ZERO. How could this be? I mean I was told my hard searching would be over after gaining two of the more rare variants, the Store Specific Variant and the Diamond Sign Variant. I had acquired to 1:200's and even the millionth printing variants. Yet still could not find this one single issue. So why not? Let's call Marvel Customer Service.
    After being bounced around to three sections a nice enough woman, Melinda, informed me that the Variant in question had only been printed in Argentina for La Feria ConComics 2012 out of San Luis, Argentina and that even more impressive only 150 issues of 1 -- 4 had been made and that 5 -- 8 were doubled up issues of the final 8. Even more impressive was that they had only sold the rights to a much smaller company in order to have them printed in San Luis for the Con itself. Holy . Are you serious?
    So after contacting Diamond Comics and being told they had no idea what I was talking about I did a search on the internet for anything Argentina related to comics and found DVNI press. So I find a contact their and learned 8th grade Spanish did nothing for me in this quick lesson. Aside from being able to tell the gentleman through email my name and that "me encanta la lecha"... yeah I love the milk, I couldn't really explain in English what it was I was looking for aside from Avengers vs X-Men Argentina. Funny enough he knew English in his reply back to me and informed me he had started to give these off as free comics to children down there and had a few of each issue if I wanted.
    Hells yeah. So after almost 5 months of searching, going through an eBay seller cousin of this gentleman, and a ton of shipment costs I finally got it. One of only two graded and even more impressive 1 of only 150 printed my #9 and by far hardest to acquire comic. Avengers vs X-Men #1 Argentinean Variant. One thing to note, it's a two cover comic where they chose to utilize the variant covers on both the front and back. Also, its smaller than normal comics and has 1 single page of advertising. Now why can't US comics be this way???

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